PLAY, LEARN, GROW

The Playful Parent

The Playful Parent was created in 2016 as a blog to share the joys and craziness of parenting. The founder of The Playful Parent is a full time domestic energizer and has a Bachelors from Marymount University and a Masters in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University.

Details: The 25th Annual Farpoint Science Fiction Convention comes to Hunt Valley, MD February 9-11, 2018. This awesome convention offers science fiction fans of all ages a weekend full of fun! You won’t want to miss the amazing presentations on science fiction, fantasy, comics and science topics or workshops on costuming, writing and swordplay and especially the oppurtunities for gaming, charity and art auctions or entertaining events such as dance, karaoke and costume contest.

Cost: Friday single day ticket $15.00. Saturday single day ticket $60.00. Saturday evening after 6PM ticket $10.00. Sunday single day ticket $40.00. Weekend tickets for children ages 5 and under are Free with paying adult.

Join Far Point for geeky fun! Find Farpoint at www.FarpointCon.com, Farpoint Convention on Facebook or @FarpointCon on Twitter.

INDOOR PLAYGROUND HOURS- ANDREWS AIRFORCE BASE JBA (BASE ACCESS ONLY)Date: OPEN DAILYTime: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PMLocation: JBA Community Commons, 1442 Concord Ave, Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland 20762Details: Did you miss the Grand Opening ribbon-cutting ceremony?! No problem you can still visit daily. The hours of the indoor playground will be the same as the normal JBA Community Commons hours (Monday to Saturday 7 am. to 8 p.m.) except in the case of reservations by private parties. Please reach out to their page directly for more details. This is for base access DOD and Military ID families.Event Type: Grand OpeningAge Group: All AgesCost: FREERegistration: Drop-In

Little JumpersDate : Most M/W/F (Always check Pump It Up site first)Time : 10:00 AM – 12:00 PMLocation: Pump It Up WaldorfDetails : This special open jump is for our guests aged 1-6 years old only. If you’re worried about older kids running around the smaller ones, this is the perfect time for your little jumpers. Our designated toddler area is for 1yrs-3yrs only. 2 yrs-6yrs are allowed to jump on the inflatables. Daycares are more than welcome to participate in Little Jumpers. We ask that if you are going to bring more than 5 participants that you call ahead to let us know.Cost: $5.00 per childInformation: https://www.pumpitupparty.com/waldorf-md/calendar/

***ALWAYS CHECK THE SCHEDULE OR CALL FIRST TO MAKE SURE LITTLE JUMPERS IS STILL ON THE CALENDAR. ***

TOTSICLESDate: FRIDAY’S ONGOINGTime: 10:00 AM- 11 AM (UPDATED NEW TIME AS OF MARCH 2018)Description: A half-hour of self-paced orientation to movement on ice, followed by a cup of hot cocoa and a story read aloud in our warm lobby. Stickers for all after storytime! Children may wear skates or shoes for snow and ice (no smooth-sole or open-toe shoes). Adults wear shoes for snow and ice.Location: Capital Club HouseEvent Type: Parent/ChildAge Group(s): 2-5Registration: Not RequiredCost: $7/VisitMore Information: https://www.charlescountyparks.com

EARLY LITERACY – DAHLGREN LIBRARY (BASE ACCESS ONLY)Date: Every FridayTime: 10:00 AMLocation: Dahlgren LibraryDetails: Early literacy is a great way to meet other parents and caregivers.All ages are welcome at every storytime, encouraging reading, talking, singing, and play are proven ways to encourage brain development, even in babies! Join us at the library every Friday at 10am for songs, stories, crafts, and playtime! Friday storytimes will include baby geared songs as well as books and crafts for pre-school ages.Event Type: WorkshopAge Group: 1-5 Years OldCost: FREEInformation: STEM EVENT LINK

Date: FRIDAYSTime: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PMLocation: Family Place to Play, Waldorf, MDDetails: Family Place to Play Fun Center is a large indoor playground that can accommodate private parties and also is a great place to bring kids to play. Open Play provides many different ways for kids to be stimulated both physically and mentally.Event Type: Free PlayAge Group: All AgesCost: $11 (2 Hours)/ 2 and under $6.60Registration: Drop- In Welcomehttps://familyplacetoplay.com/ways-to-play/

Date/Time: Every Mon/Wed/Fri 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM & Saturday’s 12:00 PM -12:45 PMLocation: Elite Gymnastics, Waldorf, MD 20603Details: The Parent & Toddler Drop In program is a great opportunity for caregivers to spend quality time with their little one while they develop; body awareness, balance, fitness, listening and social skills, plus fun and activities using gymnastic apparatus. Parent Supervision is required. Parent/Guardian must be within arm’s reach of a child at all times. 2 children per adult.***Always call to confirm this event is taking place. Sometimes they are canceled last minute. Center follows school closure schedule.***Ages Group: 6 months-5 yrs oldCost: $5 Per childInformation: www.charlescountyparks.com/recreation/recreation

Roller-skating is one way for kids to get some exercise and it’s something the whole family can do. Waldorf Roller Skating Center Roller and Inline Skating Rink offers open skating, where the rink is open to the public, as well as private access to the skating rink for events such as a birthday party. The rink offers rentals for regular roller skates and you are free to bring your own regular or inline skates. For beginners, skating classes are available for kids and adults of all ages. ***Always call first or check site before attending event***

CULTURE QUEEN- INDIAN HEAD (BASE ACCESS)Date: February 9, 2018Time: 5:00-6:00 pmLocation: NSF Indian Head- LibraryDetails: Celebrate Black History Month with the Culture Queen and learn about African American History through music and dance.Event Type: Arts & EntertainmentAge Group: All AgesRegistration: Not RequiredInformation: EVENT LINK

Details: Swim times are subject to change without notice. All patrons will be cleared from thewater 15 minutes prior to facility closing.Cost: Children age 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult age 16 and older.Any group of eight or more must make reservations with the pool manager at least two weeksprior.

NIGHT TO SHINEDate: February 9, 2018Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PMLocation: Great Waldorf Jaycee HallDetails: Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs ages 14 and older. On one night, February 9, 2018, more than 500 churches from around the world will come together to host Night to Shine for approximately 90,000 honored guests through the support of 175,000 volunteers! You don’t want to miss this epic event!

ABOUT THE CREATOR OF THE PLAYFUL PARENT

Welcome to The Playful Parent! My name is Kristy and I am a mother of two energetic boys. I believe that children learn through play! I love to do fun things with my children and hope that sharing our adventures provides other families with inspiration and resources that lead to quality time together and a love for learning! I started this site so parents would have a family friendly place to come to, feel supported and leave with information that is useful. This site is kept advertisement and influence free in order to keep the site from clutter and non-bias opinion. since it is non-monetized and profit free; your feedback, likes and comments on social media is how I get support from other companies to provide the community with free events and information.